Brawner Farm: The Battle Begins

— Second Battle of Manassas - Day One - August 28, 1862 —

Union troops were approaching from the west, raising a long cloud of dust on Warrenton Pike. They did not suspect any Confederate infantry in the area and paid little attention to a lone cavalryman trotting back and forth along this ridge. The horseman was Confederate Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson.

Though Maj. Gen. John Pope's army had been hunting Jackson, Jackson had chosen the time and place to fight. He ordered up artillery to the left of the farmhouse and the Confederates started shelling the troops in the road.

Walk the opposing battle lines to see how the fighting developed. Eyewitness accounts on troop location markers describe the point-blank musket fire. (Allow approximately 1 hour for the 1.2 mile loop trail.) For a shorter tour, walk fifty yards ahead where an exhibit gives the Union view of the battle.

Instead of panicking, the Midwesterners turned to meet the attack. The 2nd Wisconsin scrambled into line on the far edge of Brawner's orchard. The 19th Indiana emerged from the woods, where they had first taken cover, and were advancing upslope toward the Stonewall Brigade here at the fence line.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Gainesville, VA  |  Prince William County  |  20155  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Jackson Opens Fire
First Brigade
Archeology at Brawner Farm
A Stand Up Fight
19th Indiana Infantry
2nd Wisconsin Infantry
Shooting Gallery
The Battle Begins
26th Georgia Infantry
7th Wisconsin Infantry

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.